“Boundaries protect you from people that your spirit cannot easily afford.”

– Coach U

We all want to live healthier and better lives. A vital component of creating this reality is having joyful, balanced relationships, as these connections allow us to spend our days feeling nurtured and loved. Yet, all relationships require healthy boundary setting, some more than others. You see, boundaries help us define who we are and what we want, and allow us to know what is acceptable for us and what isn’t.

When our boundaries are weak we can attract needy, disrespectful people, sort of energy vampires, who drain and decrease our joy in life. When we set new boundaries these people are generally not happy and actually may disappear from our lives – and that’s okay. Setting boundaries is an act of self-love and self-protection for the body, heart, mind and soul.

BENEFITS OF BOUNDARIES:

  • Less drama in your life.
  • You know where you stand with others.
  • Confidence grows.
  • You have relationships of mutual respect.

HOW TO SET HEALTHY BOUNDARIES WHERE NONE EXIST:

  • Name what the other person does to cross your boundary.
  • State your need for change and outline how this new boundary will work.
  • In a reasonable time period restate your new stance if your boundary continues to be crossed.
  • Give clear consequences if boundaries are not respected.
  • Say what you mean and mean what you say.

You protect your integrity by being true to your word. People who truly care about you will support your efforts and respect your needs. Others will drop out of your world. In the end your world will be a better place for it.

FINAL TIPS:

  • Ask yourself,
    • “What is draining my energy now?”
    • If it is a boundary issue, make changes.
  • Ask yourself,
    • “Why am I putting up with that which drains my energy and slows my development?
    • Am I tolerating bad behavior?”
    • If the answer is yes, get some support setting limits.
  • Ask yourself,
    • “Where is my energy right now? Do I feel good?”
    • If yes, you are on the right track!
  • Set healthy boundaries with technology, people and your time. Your self-care depends on it. If you find yourself working long hours, rushing often, not practicing self care and depleted of energy, it’s time to set new boundaries.